Portfolio/Audition Requirements

Via the portfolio section of the CalArts Application, you are invited to submit a portfolio containing four examples of your artistic work.  The four selections should feature your performing and showcase your primary interests and strengths in World Music/Music. Your submission could include any of the following:

• Improvising on your primary instrument

• Playing a featured role in an ensemble

• Practicing/performing movement vocabulary of indigenous cultures 

• Singing songs from various cultures

• Showcasing your original compositions/projects

• Demonstrating proficiency on a variety of musical instruments 

Please number your examples beginning with what you consider to be your strongest ones—reviewers will examine them in the order that you indicate. Materials must be labeled clearly and completely, including, for each selection: title and composer (if appropriate) as well as your role in each piece (e.g. musician, dancer, composer, etc.). This information can be included in a separate PDF document, if desired. You may link to media hosted on external websites, but please ensure that reviewers will have permission to view this media.

Please use our online portfolio submission system to present a high-quality recording(s) of yourself performing 15–20 minutes of music on an African instrument. We would prefer to hear both solo and ensemble recordings, if possible.

Please use our online portfolio submission system to present a high-quality recording(s) of yourself performing 15–20 minutes of music on an Indonesian instrument (gamelan). We would prefer to hear both solo and ensemble recordings, if possible.

Please use our online portfolio submission system to present a high-quality recording of yourself performing 15–20 minutes of music on a North Indian instrument. We would prefer to hear both solo and ensemble recordings, if possible.

Please use our online portfolio submission system to present a high quality uploaded recording of yourself performing 15–20 minutes of music on hand drums or other world music percussion instruments. We would prefer to hear both solo and ensemble recordings, if possible.

Your portfolio must include an artist statement of 250–500 words that includes all of the following:

• Your background in the study of music.

• Your main musical passions right now.

• What you hope to learn and accomplish at CalArts.

• What attracts you to the particular specialization to which you are applying.

• Your long-term goals as a professional musician.

Applicants applying to any of the World Music BFA and MFA programs are required to participate in a virtual interview. There will be no in-person audition. Following your application submission, we will review your application and contact you to schedule your interview.

Two letters of recommendation are required for the BFA, three for the MFA. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your designer work, such as a performance instructor or art teacher.

All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it is highly recommended that you contact your recommenders months before. We request that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when we receive your requested letters.

Only if this is not possible, you may download the Letter of Recommendation Form (pdf) and have your recommender send their letters by mail to the Office of Admissions. Please choose only one method – either through the online application (preferred) or by mail – per recommender. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted via credentialing services such as Parchment or Naviance.

Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:

CalArts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
United States of America

Please note, letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.